OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

New York Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-NY · License preparation

300 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Loading selected examination banks…

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Ordinary New York marriage and family therapist license, including examination, endorsement and other officially authorized pathways. The state licensing rule and current implementation identify the AMFTRB national examination.

Licensing authority: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions; State Board for Mental Health Practitioners · Application information

Conditional registration for continuing education deficiency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
At most one year; no renewal or extension.
Eligibility
Licensee acknowledges noncompliance with continuing education requirements.
Fees
Pay the conditional registration fee in addition to normal registration and continuing education fees.
Remedy
Agree to remedy the deficiency and complete regular acceptable continuing education at one hour per month plus any additional education NYSED requires.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit Form 1 and $371, Form 2 education verification, Form 3 verification from each licensing authority, Form 4E experience record, and Form 4F colleague verification.
Child Abuse Training
Submit documentation of two hours of approved child abuse identification and reporting coursework/training, or an approved exemption under Education Law §6507(3)(a) and 8 NYCRR §59.12.
Citizenship Statute
Education Law §6506(6)(f) states United States citizenship or lawful permanent residence for endorsement; applicants should also review the implementation of citizenship and immigration eligibility in §59.4.
Education
Graduate degree in MFT or a related field that qualified the applicant for initial licensure in the originating jurisdiction.
English Proficiency
For education in a country where English is not the principal language, demonstrate English proficiency by an acceptable English proficiency test or an acceptable licensing examination administered in English, under §59.3. A language test is an applicant condition.
Examination Evidence
Direct AMFTRB score verification is required even when the examination was passed before the endorsement application. No other examination scores are accepted by the current Board instructions.
Immigration Implementation
Section 59.4 states that otherwise qualified applicants are not denied because of citizenship or immigration status unless ineligible under applicable federal law; applicants not unlawfully present, including DACA beneficiaries, are not precluded under 8 USC §1621(d).
License Elsewhere
Hold an MFT license issued by another jurisdiction with acceptable licensure and discipline status in every jurisdiction.
Licensed Experience
At least five years of satisfactory licensed practice in the ten years immediately before the New York endorsement application. Applicants who cannot document this must satisfy initial licensure requirements.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years of age.
Moral Character
Good moral character as determined by NYSED.
Supervised Experience
Supervised MFT and psychotherapy experience that qualified the applicant for initial licensure elsewhere.
Initial licensure: allied mental health graduate program
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit Form 1 and all required direct-source supporting documents; the currently published licensure and first registration fee is $371.
Child Abuse Training
Submit documentation of two hours of approved child abuse identification and reporting coursework/training, or an approved exemption under Education Law §6507(3)(a) and 8 NYCRR §59.12.
Education
Graduate degree in an acceptable allied mental health field, including social work, psychology or mental health counseling, plus additional graduate coursework needed to equal the New York MFT degree requirements. NYSED individually evaluates education and the internship/practicum.
English Proficiency
For education in a country where English is not the principal language, demonstrate English proficiency by an acceptable English proficiency test or an acceptable licensing examination administered in English, under §59.3. A language test is an applicant condition.
Examination Admission
Graduate program and graduate degree must be completed; NYSED must approve the education and application before admission to the examination.
Experience
At least 1,500 supervised direct client contact hours in an acceptable setting, all completed after the allied-field graduate degree. New York practice generally requires a limited permit, subject to the rule's authorized-setting exception.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years of age.
Moral Character
Good moral character as determined by NYSED.
Prior Licenses
Any prior professional licensure/certification must be verified directly by its licensing authority on Form 3 for review of licensure and disciplinary history.
Prior Passing Score
A prior passing AMFTRB examination score may be transferred directly through the examination owner; applicant-reported or jurisdiction-reported scores are not accepted.
Supervision
General supervision averaging one hour weekly or two hours every other week face to face, including acceptable secure video conferencing; supervisor verifies experience directly.
Testing Conditions
Non-standard testing conditions are not accepted except under the Americans with Disabilities Act; retesting under standard conditions may be required.
Initial licensure: graduate program outside the United States and its territories
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit Form 1 and all required direct-source supporting documents; the currently published licensure and first registration fee is $371.
Child Abuse Training
Submit documentation of two hours of approved child abuse identification and reporting coursework/training, or an approved exemption under Education Law §6507(3)(a) and 8 NYCRR §59.12.
Education
Foreign program recognized by its civil authorities, appropriately verified, and determined by NYSED substantially equivalent to a registered or acceptable accredited MFT master's or doctoral program. NYSED evaluates education, coursework and the supervised practicum.
English Proficiency
For education in a country where English is not the principal language, demonstrate English proficiency by an acceptable English proficiency test or an acceptable licensing examination administered in English, under §59.3. A language test is an applicant condition.
Examination Admission
Graduate program and graduate degree must be completed; NYSED must approve the education and application before admission to the examination.
Experience
At least 1,500 supervised direct client contact hours under §79-10.3. Experience completed in another jurisdiction must be legal, in an authorized setting, under a qualified supervisor acceptable to NYSED.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years of age.
Moral Character
Good moral character as determined by NYSED.
Prior Licenses
Any prior professional licensure/certification must be verified directly by its licensing authority on Form 3 for review of licensure and disciplinary history.
Prior Passing Score
A prior passing AMFTRB examination score may be transferred directly through the examination owner; applicant-reported or jurisdiction-reported scores are not accepted.
Supervision
General supervision and direct verification by the qualified supervisor are required.
Testing Conditions
Non-standard testing conditions are not accepted except under the Americans with Disabilities Act; retesting under standard conditions may be required.
Initial licensure: marriage and family therapy graduate program
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit Form 1 and all required direct-source supporting documents; the currently published licensure and first registration fee is $371.
Child Abuse Training
Submit documentation of two hours of approved child abuse identification and reporting coursework/training, or an approved exemption under Education Law §6507(3)(a) and 8 NYCRR §59.12.
Education
Master's or doctoral MFT degree from a New York licensure-qualifying, acceptable accredited, or substantially equivalent program. Substantial equivalence requires at least 45 semester hours covering human development, clinical and theoretical MFT knowledge, family law, research and professional ethics, and a 300-client-contact-hour supervised practicum.
English Proficiency
For education in a country where English is not the principal language, demonstrate English proficiency by an acceptable English proficiency test or an acceptable licensing examination administered in English, under §59.3. A language test is an applicant condition.
Examination Admission
Graduate program and graduate degree must be completed; NYSED must approve the education and application before admission to the examination.
Experience
At least 1,500 supervised direct client contact hours in an authorized setting with a qualified supervisor; qualifying program hours and post-program hours may count. New York post-program practice generally requires a limited permit, subject to the rule's authorized-setting exception.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years of age.
Moral Character
Good moral character as determined by NYSED.
Prior Licenses
Any prior professional licensure/certification must be verified directly by its licensing authority on Form 3 for review of licensure and disciplinary history.
Prior Passing Score
A prior passing AMFTRB examination score may be transferred directly through the examination owner; applicant-reported or jurisdiction-reported scores are not accepted.
Supervision
General supervision averaging one hour weekly or two hours every other week face to face, including acceptable secure video conferencing; supervisor verifies experience directly.
Testing Conditions
Non-standard testing conditions are not accepted except under the Americans with Disabilities Act; retesting under standard conditions may be required.
Expedited licensure for a transferred military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed application, attestation of the spouse's military status and supporting documentation; initial application fee is reduced by one half.
License Elsewhere
License in good standing in another jurisdiction whose requirements NYSED determines substantially equivalent to New York requirements.
Licensure Basis
Section 6501(2)(a) directs issuance based on the existing license and NYSED substantial-equivalence determination; the held license is an applicant condition.
Military Status
Spouse of an active duty member of the United States armed forces, National Guard or reserves transferred by the military to New York.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after voluntary surrender for drug or alcohol treatment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Appearance
NYSED may require an appearance before staff or committee members.
Conditions
NYSED may impose treatment, monitoring, continuing professional education, supervision or practice limitations to protect the public.
Eligibility
License voluntarily surrendered under Education Law §6510-b and Regents Part 18 due to drug or alcohol incapacity, without patient/client harm.
Fitness
Demonstrate sufficient progress in treatment and prior conditions, and absence of incapacity for active practice.
Registration Fees
Pay applicable registration fees for the reinstatement period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure through a Regents substantial equivalence waiver petition
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit Form 1 and all required direct-source supporting documents; the currently published licensure and first registration fee is $371.
Child Abuse Training
Submit documentation of two hours of approved child abuse identification and reporting coursework/training, or an approved exemption under Education Law §6507(3)(a) and 8 NYCRR §59.12.
Discretionary Proficiency
Section 24.7 allows a proficiency examination satisfactory to NYSED if current professional fitness is questioned. No identifiable examination is named in that slot; it remains a condition.
English Proficiency
For education in a country where English is not the principal language, demonstrate English proficiency by an acceptable English proficiency test or an acceptable licensing examination administered in English, under §59.3. A language test is an applicant condition.
Examination Admission
Graduate program and graduate degree must be completed; NYSED must approve the education and application before admission to the examination.
Minimum Age
At least 21 years of age.
Moral Character
Good moral character as determined by NYSED.
Prior Licenses
Any prior professional licensure/certification must be verified directly by its licensing authority on Form 3 for review of licensure and disciplinary history.
Prior Passing Score
A prior passing AMFTRB examination score may be transferred directly through the examination owner; applicant-reported or jurisdiction-reported scores are not accepted.
Testing Conditions
Non-standard testing conditions are not accepted except under the Americans with Disabilities Act; retesting under standard conditions may be required.
Waiver
The Regents may waive education, experience and/or the identified licensing examination requirement when satisfied the statutory requirements have been substantially met. The Committee on the Professions reviews the petition and recommends a final determination.
Triennial registration renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Abuse Training
Satisfy the applicable child abuse coursework documentation or exemption requirement under §59.12.
Continuing Education
At least 36 acceptable continuing education hours per three-year registration period, with no more than 12 hours of self-study; three hours on appropriate professional boundaries are included for periods beginning April 1, 2023 or later. Shorter periods are prorated.
Exemptions
First licensure registration period is exempt; adjustment may be granted for certified poor health, military duty or other good cause.
Records
Maintain continuing education documentation for at least six years.
Registration
Submit the proper registration application and fees; certify compliance or a recognized exemption/adjustment before practicing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to practice after lapse: continuous lawful practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Abuse Training
Satisfy the applicable child abuse coursework documentation or exemption requirement under §59.12.
Continuing Education
At least 36 acceptable continuing education hours per three-year registration period, with no more than 12 hours of self-study; three hours on appropriate professional boundaries are included for periods beginning April 1, 2023 or later. Shorter periods are prorated.
Exemptions
First licensure registration period is exempt; adjustment may be granted for certified poor health, military duty or other good cause.
Lapse
Returning after a lapse of New York registration; lawfully practiced continuously in another jurisdiction throughout the lapse.
Lapsed Period Education
One acceptable hour per lapsed month, up to 36 hours; complete in the new registration period or optionally from 36 months before that period through its conclusion.
New Period Education
Regular continuing education requirements during the new period.
Previous Continuing Education
Complete the continuing education applicable to the last period in which registered.
Reactivation Application
Submit the delayed registration application and fees; actual registration is required before practice.
Records
Maintain continuing education documentation for at least six years.
Registration
Submit the proper registration application and fees; certify compliance or a recognized exemption/adjustment before practicing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to practice after lapse: no continuous lawful practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Abuse Training
Satisfy the applicable child abuse coursework documentation or exemption requirement under §59.12.
Continuing Education
At least 36 acceptable continuing education hours per three-year registration period, with no more than 12 hours of self-study; three hours on appropriate professional boundaries are included for periods beginning April 1, 2023 or later. Shorter periods are prorated.
Exemptions
First licensure registration period is exempt; adjustment may be granted for certified poor health, military duty or other good cause.
Lapse
Returning after a lapse of New York registration; did not lawfully practice continuously in another jurisdiction throughout the lapse.
Lapsed Period Education
One acceptable hour per lapsed month, up to 36 hours; complete during the 12 months before the new registration period.
New Period Education
At least 12 acceptable continuing education hours in each succeeding 12-month period until the next registration date.
Previous Continuing Education
Complete the continuing education applicable to the last period in which registered.
Reactivation Application
Submit the delayed registration application and fees; actual registration is required before practice.
Records
Maintain continuing education documentation for at least six years.
Registration
Submit the proper registration application and fees; certify compliance or a recognized exemption/adjustment before practicing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination

Provider
Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB); administered for AMFTRB by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Prometric computer-based testing centers
Format
Computer-based examination of objective multiple-choice questions, each with four alternative answers of which only one is correct; given during a one-week testing window every month; scores on the six domains and the total examination are reported after the window closes
Exam questions
180 multiple-choice items
Time limit
4 hours total testing time
Passing score
Criterion-referenced passing score set on an anchor examination by a modified Angoff method and adjusted across forms by equating; the reported score equals the total number of correct responses
Exam fee
US $370.00 examination fee (includes testing center fees)
Examination outline
  • Domain 01 — The Practice of Systemic Therapy — Tasks related to incorporating systemic theory and perspectives into practice activities, and establishing and maintaining ongoing therapeutic relationships with the client system inclusive of diverse cultural contexts. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 01.01 Conceptualize therapy consistent with the philosophical perspectives of systemic theory.
    • 01.02 Maintain consistency between systemic theory and clinical practice.
    • 01.03 Integrate individual treatment approaches with systemic treatment approaches.
    • 01.04 Integrate multiple dimensions of diversity and social justice theories with systemic treatment approaches.
    • 01.05 Use a systemic perspective to co-create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space.
    • 01.06 Use a systemic perspective to co-create a therapeutic relationship with the client system.
    • 01.07 Use a systemic perspective to understand the complexities inherent in therapeutic interactions (e.g., family homeostasis, self of the therapist).
  • Domain 02 — Assessing, Hypothesizing, and Diagnosing — Tasks related to assessing and conceptualizing the various dimensions of the client system inclusive of diverse cultural contexts, including forming and reformulating systemic hypotheses and diagnosing the client system to guide therapeutic activities and interventions, including use of artificial intelligence (AI) as appropriate. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 02.01 Assess the client system’s verbal and non-verbal communication styles to develop hypotheses about relationship patterns, perceptions, and responses to the reciprocal influence of relational patterns and the presenting issues.
    • 02.02 Assess the mental status of clients.
    • 02.03 Assess historic and current self-injurious behavior, suicidal ideation and intent, and/or homicidal ideation and intent.
    • 02.04 Identify and assess behavioral dynamics, processes, and interactional patterns (e.g., boundaries, roles, rules, alliances, coalitions, and hierarchies) within the client system to determine systemic functioning.
    • 02.05 Formulate and continually assess hypotheses regarding the client system that consider and incorporate diverse contexts.
    • 02.06 Assess appropriateness of potential treatment and therapeutic delivery modalities for the client system.
    • 02.07 Assess environmental factors (e.g., discrimination, gang violence, migration) affecting the client system.
    • 02.08 Assess the client system’s levels of economic, social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and cognitive functioning.
    • 02.09 Assess historic and current effects of substance use disorders on the functioning of the client system.
    • 02.10 Assess historic and current effects of violence or trauma, including vicarious trauma, on the client system.
    • 02.11 Assess historic and current effects of childhood experiences and traumas on the client system.
    • 02.12 Assess historic and current effects of impact of process use disorders (e.g., gambling, internet use, technology use, shopping) on functioning of the client system.
    • 02.13 Assess historic and current effects of sexual functioning on the client system.
    • 02.14 Assess how the developmental and family life cycle stages of the client system impact problem formation, maintenance, and resolution.
    • 02.15 Assess strengths, resources, coping skills, and resilience within and available to the client system.
    • 02.16 Select, administer, review, and/or interpret results of standardized instruments within the therapist’s training, competence, and scope of practice.
    • 02.17 Assess and diagnose clients in accordance with current DSM and ICD diagnostic criteria while maintaining a systems perspective.
    • 02.18 Formulate treatment hypotheses that integrate systemic perspectives, assessment inventories, and diagnostic impressions.
    • 02.19 Assess effects of occupational issues on the client system (e.g., military personnel, workers in geographically dispersed locations, first responders).
    • 02.20 Collaborate with the client system to determine need for evaluation by other professional and community systems.
    • 02.21 Collaborate with professional and community systems as appropriate in making diagnoses and establishing treatment priorities.
    • 02.22 Collaborate with the client system to refer as appropriate based on diagnoses and treatment priorities.
  • Domain 03 — Designing and Conducting Treatment — Tasks related to developing and implementing a course of culturally responsive treatment with the client system, including identifying possible therapeutic models, implementing associated interventions, and treatment planning, including use of artificial intelligence (AI) as appropriate. (17%; 30 items) (17%)
    • 03.01 Evaluate and maintain a quality therapeutic alliance with the client system.
    • 03.02 Establish therapeutic contracts.
    • 03.03 Utilize assessment information to develop a treatment plan that reflects a contextual understanding of the presenting issue.
    • 03.04 Determine relevant short-term goals, long-term goals and objectives for treatment, as well as criteria for successful completion of treatment.
    • 03.05 Identify the client system’s previous and current attempts to resolve the presenting issues.
    • 03.06 Identify members of client and collateral systems involved in resolving issues.
    • 03.07 Develop and monitor ongoing safety plan to address identified safety risks for the client in all therapeutic delivery contexts.
    • 03.08 Engage in therapeutic interventions based on theory and current research and a shared contextual understanding of the client system and presenting issues.
    • 03.09 Clarify with the client system the rationale for selecting therapeutic interventions as appropriate.
    • 03.10 Collaborate with the client system to determine sequence of treatment and identify which members will be involved.
    • 03.11 Develop and monitor recovery-oriented systemic care for treatment of substance use disorders.
    • 03.12 Use genograms and/or family mapping as therapeutic interventions as indicated.
    • 03.13 Facilitate client system change through restructuring and reorganization.
    • 03.14 Collaborate with the client system to identify and explore competing priorities of client issues to be addressed in treatment.
    • 03.15 Assist the client system in developing decision-making, coping, and effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in their relational contexts.
    • 03.16 Attend to the homeostatic process and its impact on the client system’s ability to attain therapeutic goals.
    • 03.17 Assist the client system in developing alternative perspectives of the presenting issues to facilitate solutions.
    • 03.18 Influence client behavior and perceptions through use of metaphor, rewriting narratives, mindfulness, etc.
    • 03.19 Integrate cultural, spiritual, social, intellectual, and biological characteristics and strengths of the client system when devising effective treatment strategies.
    • 03.20 Recognize and support client autonomy when devising effective treatment strategies.
    • 03.21 Maintain awareness of common side effects of medications, monitor client system for these within the boundaries of professional competence, and coordinate care with any relevant prescribers.
    • 03.22 Adapt therapeutic stance and interventions to accommodate the process and structure of all therapeutic delivery modalities.
  • Domain 04 — Evaluating Ongoing Process and Terminating Treatment — Tasks related to continuously evaluating the therapeutic process, incorporating feedback into the course of treatment, and planning for termination, inclusive of different cultural contexts and use of artificial intelligence (AI) as appropriate. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 04.01 Use theory and current research in the ongoing evaluation of process, outcomes, and termination.
    • 04.02 Evaluate the progress of therapy in collaboration with client and collateral systems as indicated.
    • 04.03 Modify treatment plan in collaboration with client and collateral systems as indicated.
    • 04.04 Continually evaluate client system appropriateness for all therapeutic delivery modalities.
    • 04.05 Develop a termination plan in collaboration with the client and collateral systems to maintain therapeutic gains after treatment has ended.
    • 04.06 Terminate therapeutic relationship in a professional and culturally responsive manner.
  • Domain 05 — Managing Crisis Situations — Tasks related to assessing and managing emergency situations, inclusive of different cultural contexts, and intervening when clinically indicated and/or legally mandated. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 05.01 Assess impairment in the client system during crisis situations to determine if and what immediate interventions may be needed.
    • 05.02 Assess for presence of suicidal ideation and determine the level of intervention.
    • 05.03 Assess for risk of violence toward the client from others to determine the need for intervention.
    • 05.04 Assess the client’s potential for self-injurious behavior to determine level of intervention.
    • 05.05 Assess the client’s potential for violence or harm toward others, including the therapist, to determine level of intervention.
    • 05.06 Assess risk of violence toward therapist from sources outside of the client system and develop a safety plan.
    • 05.07 Assess impact of community-level crisis on client system and develop interventions as they pertain to that crisis.
    • 05.08 Assess the impact of client system’s trauma history and other relevant contextual factors on current crisis.
    • 05.09 Collaborate with other relevant stakeholders in managing client system’s crisis.
    • 05.10 Respond to emerging crisis as appropriate to the therapeutic delivery modality and use relevant crisis resources.
  • Domain 06 — Maintaining Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards — Tasks related to ongoing adherence to legal and ethical codes and treatment agreements, maintaining culturally responsive competency, upholding professional standards, and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical practice. (19%; 34 items) (19%)
    • 06.01 Demonstrate professional responsibility and competence regarding legal issues and regulations across therapeutic delivery modalities, including use of artificial intelligence (AI).
    • 06.02 Compare agency and employment policies with relevant ethics code, statutes, case law, and regulations and privilege the higher standard.
    • 06.03 Integrate current ethical codes of licensing boards, relevant professional organizations, and associations into appropriate professional practice.
    • 06.04 Adhere to relevant business laws related to clinical practice (e.g., Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, etc.)
    • 06.05 Practice within therapist’s scope of competence.
    • 06.06 Maintain awareness of and effectively manage how the therapist’s personal issues, life experiences, values and morals, and previous trauma impact the therapeutic process.
    • 06.07 Maintain awareness of and effectively manage how the supervisors’ personal issues, life experiences, values and morals, and previous trauma influence the supervisory process
    • 06.08 Adhere to treatment agreements with client systems and respect the rights of clients.
    • 06.09 Provide the client system with written professional disclosures regarding fees, credentials, reporting complaints, confidentiality, privileged communication, and providing technologically assisted services, including use of artificial intelligence (AI), etc.
    • 06.10 Confirm the client system’s identities, locations, and safety levels at the beginning of each teletherapy session.
    • 06.11 Monitor and mitigate risk for potential exploitation of the client system by the therapist.
    • 06.12 Consult with colleagues and other professionals as necessary regarding ethical and legal issues, and document these consultations.
    • 06.13 Respect the roles and responsibilities of other professionals involved in the client system’s treatment process as they relate to ethical and legal issues.
    • 06.14 Maintain accurate and timely records including long-term safe and confidential storage and plan record transfer and/or disposal within timeframes specified by current statutes.
    • 06.15 Adhere to ethical and regulatory guidelines for engaging in the supervisor-supervisee relationship across modalities.
Examination sources